Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

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  Objective Review of 02 ES - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Rel - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall one of the best deals you will find on a used car. The ES,LS,and GTZ models all have power locks windows etc

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  great car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By tubescreamer - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because i was looking for a somewhat affordable, compact, reliable, yet sporty car. This car fit all those catagories for me. It is sportier than a honda civic, and offers a better warranty. It is not as extreme as the EVO, but it still has a sporty feel. So far I have averaged 24-26mpg on the first 3 tanks of gas. bottom line: Fun to drive. =)

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  Great Car - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By addydev - September 30 - 10:00 am

  These are great cars very fun to drive. A little sporty and yet still a good family car. If you want something to drive the back roads with this is your car. This is one of the safest cars I have ever driven. I was rear ended by a BMW at a light 2 weeks ago he was doing 45 mph when he hit me and we walked away. The car is being fixed and I cant wait to get it back.

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  gas hog - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By gas hog - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2004 awd ls model. over all great suv. A little disapointed in the performance in snow!felt it did not get very good traction when in a turn, it had a tendency to loose tracion and slide very easy. This automobile gets rotten fuel economy and I am still trying to figure out why a v6 engine needs to run on 91 octane or higher? Big disapointment here with high test in the midwest at 2.26a gal.

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  Tommys Red Rider Outlander GT - 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By Tom Colosimo - September 28 - 7:52 pm

  Dont believe everything you read! The Mitsubishi Outlander is NOT a piece of crap! Ive got 6K miles on mine and love it! I burn regular unleaded and get an avg. of 23 MPGs! Ive tried a couple tanks of premium and get the same MPGs and performance! The vehicle is solid in snow traction, acceleration, quietness, steering, etc. I love the LED headlights and tail lights - you dont get that on a 2016 XLE Rav4! I did test drive a LOT of 2015 CUVs before I bought this model. I recently drove a 2016 Rav4 and did not like the bumpy ride, noisy interior, poor acceleration and LACK OF TOWING! AND the price for a 4 cylinder vs. my V6 was ALMOST the same with the same options I have!! I think Mitsubishi messed up there marketing and some of their models over the past 10 years or so but this car is NOT bad! I had a Mazda for 12 years before this and there is no comparison to that vehicle with the smooth shifting 6 speed the Outlander has and power over that Mazda that had a 200 HP V6. So.....try it out before you buy something else!

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  Check timming belt - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
  By WolfG - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought a galant in 1999 the 5spd w/sunroof. I wanted a family car with a soorty look so I was attracted to the Galant. It ran well causing little problems alternator, battery, brake pads, rotors, and lights. It had 124k on it when I got it. I heard a squealing sound one day and had the belts changed so I thought but they did not change the timming belt and by it being a 5spd it jumped timming and it was the end. I had just paid it off too.

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  diamante maddog - 2001 Mitsubishi Diamante
  By moondog - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Mostly very good. Lots of comfort features. Priced right

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  So Far So Good - 2000 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Facts - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Galant used with 12,000 miles. I have to say, for the price I cant complain too much. Quick acceleration for a 4 cylinder. Brakes wore out pretty fast. The car gives a little electric shock from time to time as the door is touched when exiting. Passenger door sometimes doesnt unlock. Cruise Control malfunctioned, Dealership fixed it under warranty. During the daytime it is hard to determine if the AC is on, due to AC indicator light being colored neon green (someone was not thinking at all on this one).

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  Give this car more credit. - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Gonzo - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Most car buying guides recommend a Celica over the Eclipse, and I have no idea why. I test drove both, and while the Celica has a little bit more get up and go at lower speeds, once you pass 55 it starts acting like its being tortured. The sun, sound and leather package is well worth the money, and the car remains comfortable even over long road trips (there wasnt enough room for my legs in the Celicas front passenger seat). The engine is well presented compared to the reservoir-covered Celica, and feels more like a sports car. The steering is very responsive, and the transmission is easy to manipulate. Im very happy with it.

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  Very reliable car! - 2001 Mitsubishi Galant
  By multicarowner234 - September 26 - 3:36 am

  Bought it new in 2000 and now it has 135,000 miles on it and still runs great! This car is very reliable and dependable! But it is very boring to drive. Performance is ok, I am a many V8 car owner. Acceleration is good from 0-40 after that it is slow. Feels unsafe above 80 MPH. Brake rotors suck! Vibrations in steering wheel especially above 50 mph. Lots of road noise. Very, very boring. I guess Im just used to V8s.